!00 degrees in California beats 85-90 degrees in Tennessee any day.
I can definitely say it is ok NOT to venture into the Central Valley. This includes Bakersfield, where I grew up. Much to my surprise, others on this thread would probably agree.
The San Diego area has a number of attractions and some beautiful beaches. Santa Barbara is a neat area, wonderful food, and some pretty areas.
If interested in beaches as a primary point, I’d suggest going further south. See my prior comment on water temps.
I know LA has tons of attractions, and some pretty beaches. People often think easy to pack things in while traveling there. Most people don’t recognize that the LA metro area (not city limits) is close to 34,000 square miles! It is massive and easy to spend hours in traffic. I think easier and more productive to spend time elsewhere.
All true @TR23. The Central Valley is not a place to vacation. I don't imagine aurora was thinking about that anyway. LA is not a good place to go when you only have a week.
Wahoo!!! My trip is booked ✈️ California, here I come 🌊
@Auroradream Congratulations! I wish you an amazing first visit.
I'm a native transplant but there were so many great suggestions on this thread that I'm going to use it for inspiration.
I'm stoked! It's going to be, like totally gnarly, dude 😎🤪 For real though, I'm extremely thankful for the great tips from everyone!
We will try to roll out the proverbial 'red carpet' for your visit. Try to ignore our rude driving habits, graffiti, homeless under most freeway overpasses, freeways that tend to move slower than we can walk. All in all have a wonderful visit and can't wait to hear your impression of the Golden State.......
Where are you flying into @Auroradream
@KnightlyCuddles I plan to be fearless and feel the freedom! @jillyain July 27th. California here I come!
@jillyain you said where. Oops! San Jose airport
When in San Jose go to La Victoria and try the orange sauce
@Morpheus yes! I love dining tips. I'm a vegetarian and international food is my fave 😋
Dear Golden State: Here comes Auroradream. ONE WEEK TO GO!
@Auroradream: Awesome! 😁
Thanks @HarleyGirlKate Time to make plans and lists! From my hotel how many miles to each of my excursions and which days are planned versus spontaneous! 😎 Ohmygosh I love this!!!
I can’t wait to see photos of the places you end up visiting!
@jillyain Deal! Here's one from my recent trip to Alabama,down in the Delta.
I didn't see any gators, though.
That last one is beautiful! The alligator 🐊 sign is hilarious- i imagine people do it though
@TR23 at least it's not Fresno? 😂💀👀
California really is more like a whole country with such wide variations in climate, culture, and sheer size. Yes, Texas and Alaska are bigger, but they don't quite have the same diversity of experiences.
One thing I used to point out to folks when I lived in the Carolinas is that California is the the length of roughly NYC to Georgia. If you consider the variety of climates and cultures contained in that stretch of the East Coast, CA pretty much covers all of that.
If you have time, drive down the coast to Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Big Sur. Amazing!!
@SweetPeaJen the map is pretty interesting, thanks! A whale watching tour in Monterey is definitely on my list! I don't know if I'll get as far as Big Sur.
A few things in Southern California I tell my visitor friends to hit:
Downtown Santa Monica, and it's neighbors, Venice and Malibu. Huntington Beach Manhattan Beach, and neighbors Hermosa and Redondo Beach. Hollywood Bowl for a concert Hollywood Blvd. - overrated but just to say you saw it Hiking up to the Hollywood sign if you like hiking Hike in the Santa Monica Mountains Rose Bowl Flea Market A drive on Pacific Coast Highway up north towards Santa Barbara or Big Sur, or south to San Diego. Taking the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner that runs all the way from San Diego to Santa Barbara or Coast Starlight from LA to Seattle and getting off a the various stops along the way is a great way to see things. I recently did it I loved it.
@HanShotFirst I love the idea of taking a train!
@HanShotFirst
Hollywood Blvd. - overrated but just to say you saw it
I work in Hollywood. I’m out in those streets everyday. It’s the absolute filth of the world. I don’t wish it on anyone.
The map was from @cuddlefaery. LOL
Derp, thx @SweetPeaJen 🥴 Hey, @cuddlefaery ... Cool map 😎
I was given a few good spots when the question was posed- https://www.cuddlecomfort.com/forum/discussion/20626/ive-been-thinking-about-it-a-lot-in-the-shower#latest
@ScroogeMcducky that's clever, putting a link to your post on mine. Do tell how that's done so I can link my discussions on yours and on other people's posts, too. Thanks a bunch.
The trip is tomorrow! I'm packed and errrythang.😁 I can't wait to get my toes in the sand!!